Real Madrid extends Mirotic through 2016

Just days before its first Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four appearance in 15 years, Real Madrid has announced a new agreement with forward Nikola Mirotic to extend his contract until the end of the 2015-16 season. Mirotic (208, 20) last week was voted the 2010-11 Euroleague Rising Star Trophy winner in a ballot of Euroleague head coaches. Mirotic has averaged 7 points on 44.4% three-point and 84.6% free throw shooting, as well as 3.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 18 Euroleague off the bench this season. In nine games where he played more than 15 minutes - seven in the Top 16 and playoffs - Mirotic boosted his averages to 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds. Mirotic, who as born in Montenegro but has already played for the Spanish under-20 national team, joined Madrid in 2006 and made his Euroleague debut against Regal FC Barcelona two years ago. He helped Spain win the bronze medal at the European under-20 championships in Croatia last season. "This is my home and my first big dream has come true," Mirotic said of his new contract. "This is just the beginning for me, because I want to stay in the club as long as possible. I want to fulfill my dreams, improve as a player and help this club in any way I can."